Intermediate adapter for filter seating

ABSTRACT

In one example, a adapter element is provide that is suitable for use with a water filter cartridge. The adapter element includes a support structure, and a lower contact portion that is connected to the support structure and releasably engageable with an upper portion of a water filter cartridge. In addition, an upper contact portion is connected to the support structure and arranged for contact with a portion of a pitcher when the adapter element is disposed in the pitcher.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application hereby claims priority to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. 61/862,711, entitled FILTER RETAINING FLUME, and filed Aug. 6, 2013; and, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. 61/893,389, entitled PROTRUSION-FILTER SYSTEM, and filed Oct. 21, 2013. All of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein in their respective entireties by this reference.

This application is related to the following U.S. patent applications, all of which are filed the same day herewith and incorporated herein in their respective entireties by this reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/______ (Docket 482.496), entitled MECHANISMS AND SYSTEMS FOR FILTER SEATING; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/______ (Docket 482.500), entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIRECTING FLUID FLOW IN A CONTAINER; and, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/______ (Docket 482.502), entitled WATER PITCHER SYSTEM.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally concern water filtration systems for pitchers and other fluid containers. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to devices for seating, aligning, and/or retaining a filter element in a reservoir or other container which is configured to direct water through a filter element.

BACKGROUND

Water filtration has become common in homes, offices and other places to produce cleaner and better tasting water. One popular filtration system is used in conjunction with a water pitcher. Some water pitchers include an upper chamber for holding untreated water and a lower chamber for holding treated water that has exited the upper chamber. A filter cartridge is placed in a fluid path between the two chambers so that untreated water exits the upper chamber through the filter cartridge and enters the lower chamber as filtered water.

The filter cartridge includes openings that allow unfiltered water to enter the interior of the filter cartridge where the unfiltered water comes into contact with a filtering medium that acts to remove contaminants from the water as the water flows through the interior of the filter cartridge. After filtering is completed, the filtered water exits the filter cartridge into the lower chamber. As a result, treated water is available and ready to be poured from the water pitcher for consumption by a user.

The filter cartridge typically resides in a receptacle defined by a candle that is located at the bottom of the upper chamber and that is open to both the upper and lower chambers. Absent the filter cartridge, water can flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber by way of the candle. With proper alignment and seating of the filter cartridge within the candle, water can only flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber through the filter cartridge. Typically, the filter cartridge is removable so that after the usable life of the cartridge, it may be removed and replaced with a new filter cartridge.

Placement of the filter cartridge within the candle of the water pitcher is important for proper water treatment. In order to place the cartridge, the user typically must maneuver the filter cartridge so that the filter cartridge is firmly seated and properly aligned within the candle. If the filter cartridge is properly aligned and seated within the candle, a fluid tight seal, or substantially fluid tight seal, is formed between the candle and the exterior of the filter cartridge such that water can only flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber through the filter cartridge.

In practice however, achievement of proper seating of the filter cartridge has proven problematic. This is due at least in part to the construction of typical water pitchers and, more particularly, the relation between various elements of the water pitcher.

For example, one problem is that proper alignment and seating of the filter cartridge in the candle requires focused effort on the part of the user. That is, proper alignment and seating of the filter cartridge generally cannot be achieved by simply dropping the filter cartridge into the candle. Instead, the user must perform an extra action to properly align the filter cartridge with respect to the candle, and then seat the filter cartridge within the candle.

In particular, after aligning the filter cartridge so that it can be received within the candle with the proper angular orientation, the user must also push the filter cartridge downward into the candle so that a fluid tight seal, or substantially fluid tight seal, is formed between the filter cartridge and the filter seat in the candle. Users often neglect to perform this necessary step and, as a result, the filter cartridge may be aligned but not properly seated, even though it can appear so to the user. This problem is further aggravated by the fact that typical filtration systems lack any sort of feedback mechanism that indicates to the user that the filter cartridge is properly seated.

Misalignment and/or improper seating of the filter cartridge, as described above, can present a variety of problems with respect to the operation of the filtration system. Among other things, misalignment and/or improper seating of the filter cartridge can result in a gap between the filter cartridge and the filter seat, thus allowing untreated water to bypass the interior of the filter cartridge and flow into the lower chamber, thereby introducing contaminants into the water held in the lower chamber.

Another problem with many filtration systems is that even if the filter cartridge is initially placed in the correct alignment and is properly seated in the candle, the filter cartridge may not be reliably retained in that position. For example, the filter cartridge can move out of position as a result of repeated use of the water pitcher, such as when the water pitcher is tipped to pour treated water from the lower chamber. That is, the tipping motion may act to change the position of the filter cartridge relative to the candle. Moreover, repeated tipping may also cause the filter cartridge to move partly, or completely, out of the candle.

In either case, the seal between the exterior of the filter cartridge and the candle has been compromised. Consequently, the next time the upper chamber is filled, untreated water can bypass the filter cartridge and flow directly into the lower chamber, thus contaminating the filtered water in the lower chamber.

In light of problems such as those noted above, it would be useful to provide a device that ensures proper seating of a filter cartridge that is placed within a water pitcher. As well, it would be useful for the device to maintain the alignment and seating of the filter cartridge, once properly positioned, during use of the pitcher, or other device, that includes the filter cartridge.

SUMMARY OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

One or more embodiments within the scope of the invention may be effective in overcoming one or more of the disadvantages in the art. One example embodiment is directed to a water pitcher that includes an adapter element that helps to ensure proper seating of a filter cartridge, and also helps to maintain the filter cartridge alignment and seating during use of the water pitcher.

The water pitcher includes a candle in which a filter cartridge can be removably positioned. A filter seat is provided within the candle to interface with the filter cartridge in such a way that a seal is established between the filter cartridge and the seat. The candle is configured and arranged for fluid communication with both an untreated water reservoir, and a treated water reservoir, of the water pitcher so that water exiting the untreated water reservoir is able to pass through the filter cartridge, when present in the candle, and enter the treated water reservoir.

An adapter element is also provided within the water pitcher and is generally configured and arranged to exert a force on the filter cartridge in a direction and magnitude such that, if the filter cartridge is not already properly seated on the filter seat, the filter cartridge will be moved into a sealing contact with the filter seat. In some instances, multiple adapter elements may be employed. In this particular example, the adapter element is a discrete device that, while it may temporarily engage portions of a water pitcher and/or portions of a filter cartridge, is not connected or attached to any portion of the fluid container or filter cartridge.

Moreover, the adapter element may directly contact the filter cartridge, although that is not required and, alternatively, one or more intervening structures can be used to transfer a force exerted by the adapter element to the filter cartridge. Where one or more such intervening structures are present, the adapter element is considered to be in indirect contact with the filter cartridge. The adapter element can take any form or configuration consistent with its function and so is not constrained to any particular form or configuration. Even if an intervening structure is not present, the adapter element is not required to be in contact with the filter cartridge at all times.

In this example embodiment, the adapter element is positioned between a cover of the water pitcher and the top of the filter cartridge, such as by attachment to the top of the filter cartridge for example, so that when a user moves the cover to its fully closed position, the cover exerts a force, either directly or indirectly, on the adapter element that is then transferred by the adapter element to the filter cartridge. The exertion of this force moves the filter cartridge into sealing contact with the filter seat in the candle.

Thus, assurance is provided to the user that when the cover is fully closed, the filter cartridge is properly seated and, as such, unfiltered water cannot bypass the filter. In connection with this embodiment, one or more components of the water pitcher can be configured to provide sensory feedback to the user so that the user can ascertain proper seating of the filter cartridge. For example, the cover can include structures that engage complementary structures on an untreated water reservoir or chassis of the pitcher so that a snap sound is produced when the cover is moved to its fully closed position. This cover configuration can also help to ensure that the cover remains closed, thereby maintaining the filter cartridge in the correct position and alignment, even when the water pitcher is tipped.

The foregoing embodiment is provided solely by way of example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Consistently, various other embodiments of adapter elements and associated filters and containers, within the scope of the invention are disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which at least some aspects of this disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only example embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an example embodiment in the form of a water pitcher;

FIG. 1b is a top perspective view of an example pitcher and untreated water reservoir;

FIG. 1c is a perspective view of an example cover;

FIG. 1d is a perspective view of an example untreated water reservoir configured to releasably connect to a cover;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of an example pitcher;

FIG. 3a is a top view of a portion of an untreated water reservoir that includes a filter seat;

FIG. 3b is a section view taken from FIG. 3a and disclosing aspects of a candle of an untreated water reservoir;

FIG. 3c is a perspective view of a portion of an untreated water reservoir that includes a filter seat;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway view disclosing an example filter cartridge and candle of an untreated water reservoir;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an example adapter element and filter cartridge;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of another example adapter element and filter cartridge;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of an example deformable element;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of another example deformable element; and

FIGS. 9a-9f are side views of example filter cartridges that can be employed with various embodiments of an adapter element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments.

In general, embodiments of the invention can be employed in a variety of different environments, one example of which is a water pitcher, although the scope of the invention is not limited to this example environment and extends, more generally, to any environment where such embodiments can be usefully employed. For example, embodiments of the invention can be employed with any water, or other fluid, container where it is desired to enable a user to reliably align, seat and/or retain a filter cartridge. Examples of such containers include, but are not limited to, water bottles, carafes, and jugs.

A. Example Pitcher Configuration

Directing attention now to FIGS. 1a-1c , and FIG. 2, details are provided concerning an example embodiment in the form of a water pitcher 100. The water pitcher 100 includes a chassis 102 that defines an interior 104. The chassis 102 can be any suitable size or shape. The chassis 102 includes, or is attached to, a base 106. A handle 108 attached to, or integrally formed with, the chassis 102 enables a user to grasp and operate the water pitcher 100. Opposite the handle 108, a spout 110 is provided that is in fluid communication with the interior 104 of the chassis 102. In some embodiments, the chassis 102, base 106, handle 108 and spout 110 are integral with each other and thus have a unitary one-piece construction, which may be constructed of plastic and/or other suitable materials.

An untreated water reservoir 112 is removably disposed in the interior 104 of the chassis 102. In at least some embodiments, the untreated water reservoir 112 is configured to be removably received in a corresponding recess 102 a (FIG. 2) defined by the chassis 102 and which serves to support the untreated water reservoir 112. The inside dimension of the recess 102 a may be substantially the same as the exterior dimension of the untreated water reservoir 112, such that the untreated water reservoir 112 fits closely within the recess 102 a. Thus positioned, and as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the untreated water reservoir 112 occupies a portion of the interior 104 of the chassis 102. In general, the untreated water reservoir 112 serves to receive, and hold for a period of time, water from an external source.

As further indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the untreated water reservoir 112 includes a hollow candle 114 that defines a receptacle within which a filter cartridge 113 (FIG. 2), comprising a granular and/or other filtering medium such as ion exchange resin (IER), can be removably positioned. The candle 114 is open at its upper end 114 a and lower end 114 b and, as such, is in fluid communication with the untreated water reservoir 112, as well as with a treated water reservoir 116 that comprises a portion of the overall interior 104 of the chassis 102. In general, the upper end 114 a serves as a fluid inlet, and the lower end 114 b serves as a fluid outlet. A seat 120 positioned near the upper end 114 a of the candle 114 is configured to cooperate with the filter cartridge 113 in the candle 114 to form a seal such that water in the untreated water reservoir 112 can enter the treated water reservoir 116 only by passing through the filter cartridge 113, as best indicated in FIG. 2. It should be noted that while the gap between the filter cartridge 113 and the candle 114 indicated in FIG. 2 is solely for the purpose of clarity in showing the relation between the filter cartridge 113 and the candle 114, the gap also illustrates the bypass problem that can occur if the filter cartridge 113 is not properly aligned in the candle 114, and seated on the seat 120.

The example water pitcher 100 also includes a cover 122, different embodiments of which can mate with various other elements of the water pitcher 100, in a variety of different ways. For example, in some embodiments, the cover 122 simply rests on the chassis 102, but is not connected to the chassis 102, while in other embodiments, the cover 122 can be removably connected to the untreated water reservoir 112. In either case, a flange 123 of the cover 122 may reside on a surface 103 that is defined by one or both of the top edge 102 b of the chassis 102, and a top edge 112 a of the untreated water reservoir 112, where the respective top edges 102 b and 112 a may be substantially flush with each other, as indicated in FIG. 1b for example.

Where the cover 122 is configured to be removably attached to the untreated water reservoir 112, a variety of structures can be employed to this end. In at least some embodiments, the cover 122 and untreated water reservoir 112 include respective complementary structures that releasably engage each other so that the cover 122 and untreated water reservoir 112 can be securely connected to each other, but detached from each other when desired. In light of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the example complementary structures disclosed herein are example structural implementations of a means for removably attaching the cover 122 and the untreated water reservoir 112 to each other. Any other structure(s) capable of providing comparable functionality can alternatively be employed and are considered as being within the scope of the invention.

As best shown in FIGS. 1b-1d , the aforementioned complementary structures can take the form, for example, of one or more tabs 122 a of the cover 122 that are configured to snap into respective detents 112 b of the untreated water reservoir 112. As indicated in FIG. 1c , each tab 122 a may have a free end that can be temporarily deflected so as to move into a corresponding detent 112 b. To free the cover 122 from the untreated water reservoir 112, the free ends of the tabs 122 a can be deflected sufficiently far that the tab 122 a can move out of its respective detent 112 b.

As best indicated in FIGS. 1a and 2, the cover 122 extends over the untreated water reservoir 112 so that water does not escape from the untreated reservoir 112 when the water pitcher 100 is tilted. The cover 122 may also include a lid 124 rotatably connected to the cover 122 by way of a hinge 126. In operation, the lid 124 can be opened so that a user can pour water into the untreated water reservoir 112. In some embodiments, the lid 124 and hinge 126 can be omitted, and water poured into the untreated water reservoir 112 with the cover 122 removed.

B. Some Aspects of Adapter Elements

With continued attention to FIG. 2, details are provided concerning aspects of various embodiments of an adapter element, one example of which is denoted at 200 in FIG. 2. It should be noted at the outset that the scope of the invention is not limited to the particular configuration, arrangement, and orientation of the adapter element 200 indicated in FIG. 2. Rather, this particular adapter element 200 is provided as an example for illustrating various concepts underlying the general notion of an adapter element. Consistent with the foregoing, a variety of other example adapter elements having various configurations, arrangements, and orientations are disclosed elsewhere herein.

In general, and as discussed in more detail below, adapter elements, such as the example adapter element 200 of FIG. 2, may be provided within a fluid container, such as a water pitcher for example, and are generally configured and arranged to align, seat, and/or retain, in any combination, a filter cartridge.

In some instances, multiple adapter elements may be employed. Moreover, the adapter element may directly contact the filter cartridge, although that is not required and, alternatively, one or more intervening structures can be used to transfer a force exerted by the adapter element to the filter cartridge. Even if no intervening structures are provided, the adapter element is not required to contact the filter cartridge at all times. As noted above, the adapter element can take any form or configuration consistent with its function and so is not constrained to any particular form or configuration, nor location relative to the filter cartridge.

At least some embodiments of the adapter element are configured so as to substantially occupy a gap that would otherwise exist between a cover of the water pitcher and the top of the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge is in and/or out of a sealing range.

Finally, some embodiments of the adapter element take the form of a discrete device. As such, these adapter elements may engage or otherwise contact a portion of a fluid container, such as a water pitcher, and/or a filter cartridge, but these adapter elements are not connected or attached to any portion of the fluid container or the filter cartridge.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 2, the adapter element 200 can exert a force on the filter cartridge in a direction and magnitude such that, if the filter cartridge is not already properly seated on the filter seat, the filter cartridge will be moved into a sealing contact with the filter seat, although other embodiments of an adapter element may perform additional, or alternative, functions. In this particular example, the adapter element 200 is positioned between the cover 122 of the water pitcher 100 and the top 113 a of the filter cartridge 113.

The adapter element 200 may be arranged so that when a user places the cover 122 in the fully closed position indicated in FIG. 2, the cover 122 exerts a force, either directly or indirectly, on the adapter element 200 that is then transferred by the adapter element 200 to the top 113 a of the filter cartridge 113. The exertion of this force moves the filter cartridge 113 into sealing contact with the filter seat 120, which can by defined by a recess. When arranged as indicated in FIG. 2, the adapter element 200 intermittently contacts the cover 122. More particularly, the adapter element 200 can contact the cover 122 when the cover 122 is in position, but does not contact the cover 122 when the cover has been removed for any reason.

Although the adapter element 200, and at least some other embodiments of adapter elements disclosed herein can contact, but are not connected or attached to, the filter cartridge or the water pitcher, other embodiments of the adapter element can be permanently or removably attached to the cover 122. Thus, in some alternative embodiments, an adapter element is removably connectible to a filter cartridge. For example, one such alternative embodiment of an adapter element may include one or more structural elements that are complementary to the structure of a filter cartridge such that the adapter element can be snapped into place on, or otherwise detachably connected to, the filter cartridge, and then removed from the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge is ready for replacement.

In still further alternative embodiments, an adapter element simply resides on a filter cartridge, but is not connected to the filter cartridge. For example, one such alternative embodiment of an adapter element may include one or more structural elements that are complementary to the structure of a filter cartridge, such as a ring that fits around a diameter of a portion of the filter cartridge. With a configuration such as this, the adapter element can receive a portion of the filter cartridge, or vice versa, so that the position of the adapter element relative to the filter cartridge can be maintained until it is time to replace the filter cartridge.

With continued reference now to FIG. 2, the example adapter element 200 may remain in contact with the filter cartridge 113 even after the filter cartridge 113 is properly aligned and seated. This contact can be maintained, for example, by retaining the cover 122 in the fully closed position indicated in FIG. 2. One useful aspect of this arrangement is that the filter cartridge 113 remains properly aligned and seated even when the water pitcher 100 is tipped. Thus, the user need not be concerned with bypass that could result if the filter cartridge 113 were to become misaligned or unseated.

Moreover, embodiments of the invention are configured and arranged to provide immediate and unambiguous feedback, such as sensory feedback, to the user if the filter cartridge 113 is not properly seated. With reference to the particular example of FIG. 2, the top of a sealing range 120 a, discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG. 4 (see reference 364), corresponds to the uppermost position in the candle 114 that the filter cartridge 113 can occupy that will still permit the cover 122 to be properly positioned or attached relative to the chassis 102. Thus, if the filter cartridge 113 is positioned out of, that is, above, the sealing range 120 a, the interposition of the adapter element 200 between the top of the filter cartridge 113 and the cover 122 prevents the cover 122 from being properly positioned on, or attached to, the chassis 102. The inability to position or attach the cover 122 signifies to the user that the filter cartridge 113 is out of position and must be pushed down into the sealing range 102 a. As explained above, a downward force can be exerted by the adapter element 200 to this end and/or the user can exert a downward force on the filter cartridge 113 manually.

Thus, not only is the problem of an improperly positioned filter cartridge immediately visually apparent to the user, but the solution of moving the filter cartridge downward into the sealing range immediately and naturally occurs to the user. This is true even if the user does not necessarily understand that by moving the filter cartridge in this way, a seal between the filter cartridge and the candle is thereby established.

Thus, assurance is provided to the user that when the cover is fully closed, the filter cartridge is properly seated and, as such, unfiltered water cannot bypass the filter. In connection with this and other embodiments, one or more components of the water pitcher can be configured to provide sensory feedback to the user so that the user can ascertain proper seating of the filter cartridge.

For example, the cover can include structures, such as tabs 122 a for example, that engage complementary structures, such as detents 112 b for example, on the unfiltered water reservoir so that a snap sound is produced when the cover is securely attached to the unfiltered water reservoir. This cover configuration can also help to ensure that the cover remains closed, thereby maintaining the filter cartridge in the correct position and alignment, even when the water pitcher is tipped.

More generally, sensory feedback, which includes any feedback perceptible by one of the senses of a user, can be employed in connection with various embodiments of the invention. Among other things, one or more types of sensory feedback can be used, alone or in combination, to indicate to a user when a filter is properly aligned and/or seated in a candle.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 3a-3c and FIG. 4, further details are provided concerning the relation between an example untreated water reservoir 300 and an example filter cartridge 400.

As noted earlier, a candle 350 may be included as part of the untreated water reservoir 300. In the illustrated example, the candle 350 includes a generally tubular portion 352 that defines a receptacle, which may or may not be tapered to conform with the shape of the filter cartridge 400, that extends vertically downward from a bottom 354 of the untreated water reservoir 300, and the inside diameter of the generally tubular portion 352 is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the filter cartridge 400. The lower end 356 of the candle 350 includes a fluid outlet 358 that allows fluid to exit the candle 350 and enter a treated water reservoir (see, e.g., FIG. 2).

An index structure 359, which can be located in the lower end 356 of the candle 350, can help to ensure proper rotational alignment of the filter cartridge 400 by engaging one or more complementary structures (not shown) on the bottom of the filter cartridge 400. For example, the index structure 359 can be configured with a web 359 a that is configured to be received in a corresponding slot 401 of the filter cartridge 400 such that the filter cartridge 400 will only fit into the candle 350 in an orientation in which the web 359 a is received in the slot 401.

An annular filter seat 360 is provided at an upper end 361 of the candle 350. In general, the filter seat 360 is configured to cooperate with the filter cartridge 400 to establish a seal that prevents, or at least substantially prevents, fluid in the unfiltered water reservoir 300 from bypassing the filter cartridge 400. With more particular reference to its configuration, the example filter seat 360 is angled, relative to vertical, and terminates in an annular shoulder 362 that serves to limit the extent to which the filter cartridge 400 can be inserted into the tubular portion 352 of the candle 350.

With continued reference now to FIG. 4 in particular, details are provided concerning the example filter cartridge 400. As shown, the filter cartridge 400 includes a top 402 that, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 2, interfaces with an adapter element (not shown) in order to promote proper seating of the filter cartridge 400 in the candle 350. The filter cartridge 400 also includes a fluid inlet section 404 comprising one or more inlet ports that enable fluid from the untreated water reservoir 300 to enter the filter cartridge 400 and pass into a media chamber 406 having an interior 408 that contains filtration media (not shown).

As discussed in more detail below, the filter cartridge 400 includes an annular sealing surface 410 which, in general, can be formed on the periphery of the filter cartridge 400. Thus, the position and orientation of the sealing surface 410 disclosed in FIG. 4 are provided by way of example only.

With more particular reference to the formation of the seal between the filter seat 360 and the filter cartridge 400, the configuration of the sealing surface 410 of the filter cartridge 400 and/or the configuration of the filter seat 360 can be such that the filter cartridge 400 can be acceptably sealed anywhere within a range of vertical positions of the sealing surface 410 relative to the filter seat 360.

That is, a sealing range 364 can be defined within which the sealing surface 410 and filter seat 360 cooperate to provide a seal adequate to prevent, or substantially prevent, water from bypassing the filter cartridge 400 when the filter cartridge 400 is properly positioned within the candle 350. Formation of an adequate seal between the sealing surface 410 and the filter seat 360 may be further facilitated by forming the sealing surface 410 and filter seat 360 at respective angles, which may or may not be the same, relative to vertical, and/or by constructing one or both of the sealing surface 410 and the filter seat 360 of a material, such as plastic, that is sufficiently compliant to permit some elastic deformation of one or both of the sealing surface 410 and the filter seat 360. Depending upon variables such as, but not limited to, the angle and vertical dimension of the sealing surface 410 of the filter cartridge 400, and the angle and vertical dimension of the filter seat 360, the length of the sealing range 364 can vary.

As well, where a seal is intended to be achieved by forming the sealing surface 410 and filter seat 360 at respective angles, the amount of contact area between those two elements can be controlled by selection of the respective angles, if one or both of those elements are compliant. To some extent at least, a relatively larger contact area may correspond to a relatively better and more stable seal than would be provided by a relatively smaller contact area.

C. Adapter Elements—Example Embodiments

It will be appreciated from the preceding discussion that the adapter element 200, and the other example embodiments of the adapter element discussed below, are example structural implementations of a means for performing any one or more of seating a filter cartridge within a sealing range, aligning a filter cartridge with a receptacle, and retaining the filter cartridge within a sealing range. The structures disclosed herein are provided only by way of example and any other structure(s) capable of the same, or comparable, functionality are likewise considered to fall within the scope of the invention. Moreover, any additional, or alternative functions disclosed herein in association with one or more embodiments of an adapter element can likewise be performed by such a means and, as such, the means is not limited to the function of seating a filter cartridge within a sealing range, aligning a filter cartridge with a receptacle, and/or retaining a filter cartridge within a sealing range.

In general, embodiments of an adapter element can be configured, oriented, and located in any fashion that enables implementation of the functionality disclosed herein. Some embodiments of an adapter element are configured to be removably connected to an element of a water pitcher, such as a cover for example, by way of structures such as snaps, tabs, and/or detents for example. As a result of this construction, an adapter element can be removed and replaced by a user. This may be desirable if, for example, the adapter element becomes damaged, or if an adapter element of a different configuration is better suited for use with the filter cartridge expected to be employed. As the foregoing thus suggests then, at least some embodiments of an adapter element can be manipulated by a user while other embodiments of an adapter element may not.

In at least some instances, one or more aspects of the physical configuration of an adapter element may be determined based upon the physical configuration of the filter(s) in connection with which the adapter element is expected to be utilized. For example, one consideration that can bear significantly on the design of an adapter element is the fact that many filter cartridges include one or more air vents on the top of the filter cartridge. In brief, the air vents allow air to escape from the filter cartridge so that water can enter the filter cartridge. If airflow from the vents is impaired, the filter cartridge can become air locked such that little or no water may be able to enter the filter cartridge, thus impairing flow through the filter cartridge and, correspondingly, impairing filtration. Accordingly, various embodiments of the adapter elements disclosed herein are configured to avoid, or at least substantially avoid, blockages of the filter cartridge air vents. This can be achieved, for example, by way of a reduced contact footprint of the adapter element, examples of which are discussed below.

Another consideration that can have some bearing on the design of an adapter element is the fact that filter cartridges typically include an inlet section where water or other fluid is able to enter the filter cartridge. If fluid flow into the filter cartridge is impaired for any reason, the flow rate through the filter cartridge is reduced, resulting in an unsatisfactory experience for the user. Accordingly, various embodiments of the adapter elements disclosed herein are configured to avoid, or at least substantially avoid, impairment of fluid flow into the filter cartridge. This can be achieved, for example, by way of a reduced contact footprint of the adapter element, examples of which are discussed below.

In terms of their overall composition, the adapter elements disclosed herein can be made of any suitable materials, examples of which include, glass, plastic, elastomeric materials such as rubber, ceramic, composites, and metal, or any group of one or more of those. Adapter elements can be molded or produced by any other suitable process(es). As well, the adapter elements need not take any particular configuration, size, or orientation.

Directing attention now to FIGS. 5 and 6, and with continued reference to FIG. 2, details are provided concerning some aspects of various embodiments of adapter elements. At least some embodiments of the adapter element are compatible for use with multiple different filter cartridge configurations, examples of which are disclosed in FIGS. 9a-9f below.

While particular adapter element configurations and contact positions are disclosed in the Figures, those are provided solely by way of example. More generally, various embodiments of an adapter element can contact a filter cartridge at any one or more locations of the adapter element and/or filter cartridge that enable filter seating functionality to be performed while substantially avoiding impairment of air flow from the filter cartridge. As noted elsewhere herein, yet other embodiments of an adapter element need not contact the filter cartridge, or contact the filter cartridge only at certain times, but not at others.

With particular attention now to FIGS. 2 and 5, details are provided concerning the example adapter element 300 used in connection with an example filter cartridge 500. In the example of FIG. 5, the adapter element 200 includes a support structure 202 to which is attached a lower contact portion 204 and an upper contact portion 206. The lower contact portion 204, support structure 202 and upper contact portion 206 may be formed as a unified single-piece structure.

The lower contact portion 204 in this example is configured to directly contact the filter cartridge 500. In particular, the lower contact portion 204 includes a ring 204 a whose inside diameter is about the same, or slightly smaller than, the outside diameter of the bottom of the air vent dome 502 of the filter cartridge 500. Thus sized and configured, the lower contact portion 204 is able to removably receive the air vent dome 502. Moreover, the relatively close fit between the ring 204 a and air vent dome 502 may contribute to the lateral stability of the adapter element 200 in use.

As further indicated in FIG. 5, the support structure 202 includes three legs 202 a, which can be substantially equidistant from each other, that extend upwardly from the ring 204 a. More, or fewer, legs 202 a can be used. Aspects of the legs 202 a can be selected to provide a degree of deformability that can be useful depending upon the height of the filter cartridge 500 with which the adapter element 200 is employed. For example, the thickness of the legs 202 a can be selected to be sufficient to transfer a force adequate to seat the filter cartridge 500, while also being capable of bowing out to some extent in order to accommodate a filter cartridge that is relatively taller than the filter cartridge 500.

In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 202 a connect to a ring 206 a of the upper contact portion 206. As indicated, the ring 206 a can have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the ring 204 a, such that the support structure 202 has a generally tapered configuration. In other embodiments, the ring 206 a can have a diameter that is about the same size as, or larger than, the diameter of the ring 204 a.

In some embodiments, the ring 206 a may cooperate with the cover 122 to enhance the lateral stability of the adapter element 200. For example, the cover 122 can include structure, such as a retention stub 122 b for example, that is received in the ring 206 a when the cover 122 is mated to the corresponding unfiltered water reservoir (not shown). This configuration and arrangement, either alone or in combination with the configuration and arrangement of the ring 204 a and air vent dome 502, may enhance the lateral stability and, thus, the effectiveness, of the adapter element 200.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the lower contact portion 204 is configured and employed in such a way that it does not impair fluid flow into the fluid inlet section 504 of the filter cartridge 500. Further, the open construction of the support structure 202 does not impair air flow from the air vents 506 of the filter cartridge 500. Thus, the positioning and use of the adapter element 200 does not adversely affect the performance of the filter cartridge 500.

Turning now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of an adapter element is indicated at 600. The adapter element 600 can be used with the filter cartridge, and/or any other filter cartridges disclosed herein. Except as noted below, the adapter element 600 may be substantially the same as, or identical to, the adapter element 500, and the considerations noted above in the discussion of the adapter element 500 apply as well to the adapter element 600.

Similar to the adapter element 500, the adapter element 600 includes a support structure 602 to which is attached a lower contact portion 604 and an upper contact portion 606. The lower contact portion 604, support structure 602 and upper contact portion 606 may be formed as a unified single-piece structure.

The lower contact portion 604 in this example is configured to directly contact the filter cartridge 500. In particular, one or more legs 602 a can be positioned in a recess 502 that is located between a fluid inlet portion 504 of the filter cartridge 500 and the structure that defines the sealing surface 506 of the filter cartridge 500. The legs 602 a, which can be substantially equidistant from each other, extend upwardly and are supported and reinforced by their attachment to ring 602 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 602 a terminate at a ring 606 a of the upper contact portion 606. As indicated, the ring 606 a can have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter collectively defined by the lower portions of the legs 602 a, such that the support structure 602 has a generally tapered configuration. In other embodiments, the ring 606 a can have a diameter that is about the same size as, or larger than, the diameter collectively defined by the legs 602 a. In any case, when configured and positioned as shown and described, the legs 602 a have minimal impact on fluid flow into the fluid inlet portion 504 of the filter cartridge 500.

In some embodiments, the ring 606 a may cooperate with the cover 122 to enhance the lateral stability of the adapter element 600. For example, the cover 122 can include structure, such as a retention stub 122 b for example, that is received in the ring 206 a when the cover 122 is mated to the corresponding unfiltered water reservoir (not shown). This configuration and arrangement may enhance the lateral stability and, thus, the effectiveness, of the adapter element 600.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the lower contact portion 604 and support structure 602 are configured and employed in such a way that they will have little or no effect on fluid flow into the fluid inlet section 504 of the filter cartridge 500. Further, the open construction of the support structure 602 does not impair air flow from the air vents 508 of the filter cartridge 500. Thus, the positioning and use of the adapter element 600 does not adversely affect the performance of the filter cartridge 500.

E. Further Aspects of Example Adapter Elements

With attention now to FIG. 7, details are provided concerning aspects of an alternative embodiment of the adapter elements 200 and 600. As noted elsewhere herein, the disclosed adapter elements can be usefully employed with a wide variety of filter cartridges including, for example, filter cartridges which have different respective heights. To illustrate, a first filter cartridge may be relatively tall, such that there is relatively less headroom between the top of the first filter cartridge and the underside of the cover than there would be for a shorter second filter cartridge. This situation can occur where a user chooses to employ different filter cartridge sizes from time to time. For example, the user may start with the first filter cartridge, and then later switch to the second filter cartridge for cost reasons.

In some instances, an adapter element can adjust to filter cartridges of different heights by its ability to elastically deform in such a way that the vertical height of the adapter element is temporarily reduced. This ability to deform can be inherent in the structure and/or materials used in the adapter element. In other embodiments however, one or more dedicated deformable elements, can be provided whose primary purpose is to deform in response to an applied force, thereby reducing an overall vertical height of the adapter element. These deformable elements can be made of elastomers such as rubber, foam rubber, and/or any other deformable material(s). Properties such as the spring constant ‘k’ and relative hardness of such deformable structures can be selected to provide the desired effect(s). In some instances, the deformable element can be a spring, such as a helical spring for example.

With particular attention now to FIG. 7, the adapter element 200/600 can include a deformable element 700 that, in general, is positioned in such a way that the force ‘F’ to seat the filter cartridge (not shown) is exerted directly or indirectly on the deformable element 700. In the illustrated example, the deformable element 700 is positioned at the top of the adapter element 200/600, though the scope of the invention is not limited to this arrangement of the deformable element 700. More generally, the deformable element 700 can be positioned in any other location between the cover 122 and filter cartridge 500. The deformable element 700 can be attached to the cover 122, or the adapter element 200/600, or not attached to either.

As further indicated in the example of FIG. 7, the deformable element 700 is generally in the shape of a ring having an opening that can communicate with the opening defined by the ring 206 a/606 a. Thus configured, the deformable element 700 can receive the retention stub 122 b. Where no retention stub 122 b is provided, the deformable element 700 can take the form of a solid disk. In either case, the thickness, diameter, and other physical attributes of the deformable element 700 can be selected based upon the expected operating requirements.

In operation, the deformable element 700 may be compressed, or not, depending upon the height of the filter cartridge and/or adapter element with which it is employed. To illustrate, when the deformable element 700 is used with a relatively tall filter cartridge, such that there may be a relatively small amount of headroom between the top of the filter cartridge and the underside of the cover, the deformable element 700 may be compressed, possibly significantly, when the cover 122 is closed. On the other hand, when the deformable element 700 is used with a relatively short filter cartridge, such that there may be a relatively large amount of headroom between the top of the filter cartridge and the underside of the cover, the deformable element 700 may be compressed only slightly, or possibly not at all, when the cover 122 is closed. The deformable element 700 is thus able to accommodate a range of filter cartridge sizes.

With attention now to FIG. 8, details are provided concerning aspects of an alternative embodiment of the adapter element 200. Similar to the example of FIG. 7, a deformable element 750 is provided for use in connection with the adapter element 200. Except as may be noted below, the discussion of the deformable element 700 of FIG. 7 applies as well to the deformable element 750 in FIG. 8.

In the example of FIG. 8, the deformable element 750 is located beneath the adapter element 200, namely, between the adapter element 200 and the filter cartridge 500 (see FIG. 5). The deformable element 750 is in the shape of a ring so as to be able to accommodate an air vent dome of a filter cartridge. In terms of its composition and performance, the deformable element 750 can be similar, or identical, to the deformable element 700.

In some embodiments, a plurality of deformable elements, such as deformable element 700 and deformable element 750 for example, can be used together with an adapter element. Among other things, use of multiple deformable elements in this way may lend a further degree of adaptability with regard to the use of filter cartridges of different sizes.

F. Example Filter Configurations

As noted earlier, embodiments of an adapter element may be employed in connection with a variety of different filter configurations. This aspect, at least, of the adapter elements may be attractive to a user who chooses to change filter configurations from time to time, possibly based on considerations such as cost and/or availability of particular filter configurations.

Directing attention now to FIGS. 9a-9f , details are provided concerning various example filter cartridge configurations with which one or more embodiments of an adapter element can be employed. It should be noted that the filter cartridges in FIGS. 9a-9f are presented only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The adapter elements disclosed herein may be compatible with various other filter configurations as well, even if those are not specifically disclosed herein.

With regard first to FIG. 9a , a filter cartridge 800 a is disclosed. The filter cartridge 800 a includes a sealing surface 802 a that is adjacent a recess 804 a which is similar in terms of its configuration to recess 502 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Thus, the adapter element 600 could be used with the filter cartridge 800 am, and may be particularly well suited for such use in view of the fact that the adapter element 600 is constructed, and could be positioned, in such a way that it would not block the fluid inlet portion 806 a of the filter cartridge 800 a.

In connection with the foregoing, it should be noted that the example filter cartridges of FIGS. 9a-9f may all have a sealing surface with an outside diameter in a range of about 2.27 inches to about 2.30 inches. Thus, an adapter element that is compatible with one of the aforementioned filter cartridges can be compatible with one or more of the other filter cartridges as well.

The adapter element 600 could likewise be employed with the filter cartridge 800 b disclosed in FIG. 9b . Similar to filter cartridge 800 a, the filter cartridge 800 b also includes a sealing surface 802 b that is adjacent a recess 804 b which is similar in terms of its configuration to recess 502. Filter cartridge 800 b may also be employed with the adapter element 200 if, for example, the ring 204 a had an inside diameter greater than the top 806 b of the filter cartridge 800 b, but at the same time small enough that the ring 204 a could not be positioned on or below the fluid inlet portion 808 b.

With reference now to FIG. 9c , another filter cartridge 800 c is disclosed that includes a sealing surface 802 c that is adjacent a recess 804 c which is similar in terms of its configuration to recess 502. Thus configured, the filter cartridge 800 c can be used in conjunction with the adapter element 600. Filter cartridge 800 c may also be employed with the adapter element 200 if, for example, the ring 204 a had an inside diameter greater than the top 806 c of the filter cartridge 800 b, but at the same time small enough that the ring 204 a could not be positioned on or below the fluid inlet portion 808 c.

In FIG. 9d , a filter cartridge 800 d is indicated that includes surfaces 802 d and 804 d that will accommodate the adapter element 600. As well, the adapter element 200 could be positioned on the surface 804 d. Thus positioned, the adapter element 200 would avoid any blockage of the fluid inlet portion 806 d that is located immediately below the surface 804 d. The adapter element 200 could alternatively be positioned on surface 802 d with minimal impact to fluid flow into the fluid inlet portion 806 d. The adapter element 600, whether positioned on surface 802 d or 804 d, likewise presents little or no impediment to fluid flow into the filter cartridge 800 d or to air flow out of the filter cartridge 800 d.

Turning now to FIG. 9e , a filter cartridge 800 e is disclosed that includes surfaces 802 e and 804 e, either of which will accommodate adapter element 200 or adapter element 600. Thus positioned, the adapter element 200 or adapter element 600 would avoid any blockage of the fluid inlet portion 806 e that is located below the surface 802 e. As noted herein, and with reference briefly to FIG. 5, some embodiments of the adapter element 200 can be configured such that the ring 206 a has an inside diameter that is about the same as the inside diameter of the ring 204 a. Such a configuration may be particularly useful in light of the geometry of the filter cartridge 800 e.

With regard finally to FIG. 9f , a filter cartridge 800 f is disclosed that includes an upper annular surface 802 f upon which the adapter element 200 or adapter element 600 can be positioned. Thus positioned, and in view of the open construction of the support structure 202, the adapter element 200 could be employed without blocking air vents 804 f at the top of the filter cartridge 800 f. The same is likewise true of the support structure 602 of adapter element 600.

G. Example Kits

As will be evident from the disclosure, filter cartridges can be packaged and sold together with one or more compatible adapter elements. Thus, kits including one or more filter cartridges with one or more adapter elements are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed:
 1. An adapter element suitable for use with a water filter cartridge, comprising: a support structure; a lower contact portion connected to the support structure and releasably engageable with an upper portion of a water filter cartridge; and an upper contact portion connected to the support structure and arranged for contact with a portion of a pitcher when the adapter element is disposed in the pitcher.
 2. The adapter element as recited in claim 1, wherein a vertical height of the adapter element is about the same as an amount of vertical headroom between a top of the water filter cartridge and an underside of a cover of the pitcher when the water filter cartridge is disposed in the pitcher and the cover is closed.
 3. The adapter element as recited in claim 1, wherein a portion of the adapter element is elastically deformable such that a vertical height of the adapter element can be temporarily reduced.
 4. The adapter element as recited in claim 1, wherein the lower contact portion of the adapter element defines an opening whose inside diameter is about the same as an outside diameter of a portion of the filter cartridge.
 5. The adapter element as recited in claim 1, wherein the adapter element is generally in the shape of a cone, or generally in the shape of a cylinder.
 6. The adapter element as recited in claim 1, wherein the adapter element comprises one or both of plastic, and rubber.
 7. The adapter element as recited in claim 1, wherein the adapter element includes a deformable element that becomes compressed in response to imposition of a load on the adapter element.
 8. The adapter element as recited in claim 1, wherein in operation, the adapter element retains the filter cartridge in a sealing range defined by the pitcher.
 9. The adapter element as recited in claim 1, wherein, when the adapter element is engaged with the filter cartridge, the adapter element does not materially impair air flow out of the filter cartridge and fluid flow into the filter cartridge.
 10. The adapter element as recited in claim 1, wherein when the filter cartridge resides outside a sealing range of the pitcher, and a force is exerted on the adapter element, the force is transferred to the filter cartridge by way of the adapter element so as to move the filter cartridge into the sealing range.
 11. The adapter element as recited in claim 1, wherein when the adapter element is operably engaged with a filter cartridge, a portion of the filter cartridge is received by the lower contact portion of the adapter element.
 12. A pitcher, comprising: a candle defining a receptacle with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and configured to removably receive a filter cartridge, and the candle including a filter seat that cooperates with the filter cartridge to form a substantially fluid-tight seal when the filter cartridge is positioned in a sealing range defined by the candle; and an adapter element configured and arranged so that when the filter cartridge is aligned in the receptacle but resides outside the sealing range, and a force is exerted on the adapter element, the force is transferred to the filter cartridge by way of the adapter element so as to move the filter cartridge into the sealing range, wherein when the filter cartridge is engaged with the adapter element, the adapter element does not materially impair air flow out of the filter cartridge and fluid flow into the filter cartridge.
 13. The pitcher as recited in claim 12, wherein when the filter cartridge resides in the sealing range, the adapter element retains the filter cartridge in the sealing range.
 14. The pitcher as recited in claim 13, wherein when the filter cartridge resides in the sealing range, the adapter element retains the filter cartridge in the sealing range by contact with a portion of the filter cartridge.
 15. The pitcher as recited in claim 12, wherein when the substantially fluid tight seal is present, fluid in the candle can exit the fluid outlet only by passing through the filter cartridge.
 16. The pitcher as recited in claim 12, further comprising a cover that is arranged for either direct contact or indirect contact with the adapter element.
 17. The pitcher as recited in claim 12, wherein the adapter element is operable with any one or more of a filter cartridge with a flat top, a filter cartridge with a convex top, and a filter cartridge with a concave top.
 18. The pitcher as recited in claim 12, wherein the adapter element is a discrete component that is unconnected to the pitcher, and is also unconnected to the filter cartridge when operably disposed with respect to the filter cartridge.
 19. A fluid container, comprising: a candle defining a receptacle with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and configured to removably receive a filter cartridge, and the candle including a filter seat that cooperates with the filter cartridge to form a substantially fluid-tight seal when the filter cartridge is positioned in a sealing range defined by the candle; and means for seating and retaining the filter cartridge within a sealing range, wherein: when a filter cartridge is aligned in the receptacle but resides outside the sealing range, the means for seating and retaining the filter cartridge is operable to transfer a force to the filter cartridge so as to move the filter cartridge into the sealing range; and when the filter cartridge resides within the sealing range, the means for seating and retaining the filter cartridge retains the filter cartridge in the sealing range.
 20. The fluid container as recited in claim 19, wherein the candle is an element of an untreated water reservoir, and the fluid container further comprises: a chassis in which the untreated water reservoir is disposed; and a cover that is mateable with the untreated water reservoir, wherein the means for seating and retaining the filter cartridge prevents the cover from being mated with the untreated water reservoir unless the filter cartridge resides in the sealing range.
 21. The fluid container as recited in claim 19, wherein the means for seating and retaining the filter cartridge maintains the filter cartridge in the sealing range without substantially impairing fluid flow into the filter cartridge and airflow out of the filter cartridge.
 22. The fluid container as recited in claim 19, wherein the fluid container comprises either a pitcher or a bottle. 